One Day at Disneyland®: Top Tips for the Best 1-Day Disney Adventure

Be there when the rope drops. The earlier, the better.

If you love to add some fun and excitement to your day in the park, come 30 minutes before the main gate opens. While this practice is not required, it has also become a part of every guest's Disney adventure. This is also especially recommended if you are visiting Disneyland® during its busiest times. You will be admitted earlier and much closer to the iconic attractions around the park. A fun way to start your day!

We also highly recommend the pumpkin cookies from Harbour Galley. Available for mobile order, make sure to download the Disneyland® App for a smooth and stress-free theme park experience.

Enjoy classic theme park thrills in the morning.

Kick-start your Disney experience at Adventureland. Begin with the Indiana Jones Adventure to get your much-needed morning adrenaline boost, followed by a visit to New Orleans Square to enjoy the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. For a spooky holiday twist, slip into the Haunted Mansion Holiday. The captivating mix of Halloween and Christmas is a major reason you can't resist coming back each year.

Then, step into Bayou Country, where Tiana's Bayou Adventure captivates you with its vibrant jazz rhythms, charming humor, and spectacular conclusion. By the time you leave, the day will be in full swing. If you love everything Star Wars, don't miss the chance to experience a different galaxy at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. You can also have your caffeine fix for the day at Docking Bay 7.

If you're traveling with a kid, or you just want to treat the kid in you, Fantasyland is the place to be. You can't go wrong with classics like Dumbo, Snow White's Enchanted Wish, and the Mad Tea Party—it really keeps the vibe fun and cheerful. And getting to see Miguel and Dante in "It's a Small World" is such a nice extra detail, especially with that fresh celebratory verse by Richard Sherman at the end.

Treat yourself to a delightful lunch.

In addition to classic theme park thrills, Disneyland® is also known for tasty food and drinks. From Mickey-shaped waffles to juicy (and massive) turkey legs, both Disneyland® Park and California Adventure offer a wide range of food and beverages for guests to enjoy. For a next-level dining experience, Character Dining packages await you. These packages offer exclusive meals plus character meet-and-greets. As a highly popular experience, making reservations in advance is highly recommended.

Recharge and re-energize at Troubadour Tavern and make sure to try its specialty baked potatoes. They are large, flavorful, and filling, perfect for more hours of exploring your favorite rides and attractions. The Chicken Tenders with Mac & Cheese is also a tasty crowd favorite!

Keep the energy going for a magical midday.

After indulging in a hearty and delicious lunch, you can make the most of your day by watching stage shows set for the ultimate Disney nostalgia. Swing by the Opera House to catch Walt Disney – A Magical Life. There are some neat artifacts and models, and the emotional wrap-up with Walt is a sweet note that we're here, living a part of his biggest dreams.

And of course, don't miss the chance to ride on the Disneyland® Railroad!

Spend a happy afternoon at Mickey's Toontown and Tomorrowland.

Back to the stuff for the kids and the kids at heart. Let the little ones have fun and go hyper at Goofy's How-To-Play Yard. Perhaps the highlight of the day is meeting Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Make sure to try the PhotoPass service for picture-perfect moments that will last forever.

Dinner comes next, with Cafe Daisy as the most popular option. More quick-service restaurants can be found around the park, too. But if you want less crowded dining spots, table-service restaurants like Blue Bayou at New Orleans Square and Carnation Café at Main Street are two excellent choices.

For more thrills, race on Autopia, fight Zurg in Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, or journey into space on Star Tours; the extensive selection keeps everyone hooked.

More special experiences await after sunset.

If you feel like wrapping up your Disneyland® visit with fantastic thrills, head over to Matterhorn Bobsleds. Those icy caverns behind the Sleeping Beauty Castle glowing in a majestic shade of pink? Breathtaking.

You can catch the Paint the Night Parade back at Disneyland® Park for a limited time! It's going to dazzle Main Street with a vibrant show of floats and music. Once the final float has made its way through, get ready for Halloween Screams to dazzle you with incredible projections and, on select nights, fireworks that light up the sky. Seeing Jack Skellington from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas take control of Main Street is one of those moments that you'll treasure forever, especially with your family right there with you.